Another man who was nearby heard Joe Welch's screams and came to his aid.

"This good Samaritan had kicked the gator underneath the belly about three or four times, and then I guess the gator decided that after getting kicked and punched, he just finally released," Welch said. "I was able to get my son and walk to shore."

Joey was taken to the hospital but had no serious injuries.

The alligator "could have squished my son's arm like a cracker, but my son's arm is completely intact. He doesn't even have any broken bones," Welch said.